Eggman gets comfortable

Ex-councilwoman hustles on first day as state swears in large freshman class of lawmakers

SACRAMENTO - Two women from Stockton, both Democrats and political veterans, took their seats Monday in the historic 2013-14 California Legislature.

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By Kevin Parrish

recordnet.com

By Kevin Parrish

Posted Dec. 4, 2012 at 12:01 AM

By Kevin Parrish

Posted Dec. 4, 2012 at 12:01 AM

» Social News

SACRAMENTO - Two women from Stockton, both Democrats and political veterans, took their seats Monday in the historic 2013-14 California Legislature.

The largest freshman class of lawmakers since 1966 was sworn in, and Democrats have their first supermajority control of both the Assembly and state Senate since 1883.

Assemblywoman Susan Eggman, D-Stockton, is one of 39 new members of the 180-member Legislature. She was elected by a landslide from the redrawn 13th Assembly District, which includes all of Stockton.

State Sen. Cathleen Galgiani, D-Stockton, didn't find out until last week whether she had secured the 5th District seat - three weeks after Election Day. Hers was the narrowest margin of victory in the upper house. Her district represents all of San Joaquin County.

The atmosphere was festive Monday inside her new office where family members and friends gathered to wish her well.

"I am obviously thrilled," said former Assemblywoman Barbara Matthews, a Democrat from Tracy. "Cathleen and I were partners. I couldn't have served without her." Galgiani worked for Matthews when she was in the Assembly and Galgiani then replaced her.

"It's good to see her go on. It really does make me proud," Matthews said.

Galgiani, 48, received a text message from county Registrar of Voters Austin Erdman just hours before the swearing-in ceremony, indicating that her final margin of victory was growing as the last provisional ballots were counted.

On the floor of the state Senate, Matthews later said, "The last few weeks have been difficult - and scary - for her. In the end, she will do a good job for herself and for the district."

Across the Capitol rotunda, in the Assembly chamber, Eggman was soaking up the swearing-in ceremony. A week ago, she said goodbye to longtime colleagues on the Stockton City Council.

On Monday, she was networking with new colleagues on the floor of lower chamber and waving at family members in the packed gallery.

Her brother, Michael Eggman of Kingsburg, and her sister, Ellen Kisiday of Washington state, were on hand.

"My niece (8-year-old Alyna Kisiday) asked if today was important," Eggman said. "I told her yes because we do the people's business." Her proud nephew, Matyas Kisiday, 11, wore a bow tie (not a clip on) that he learned how to tie on YouTube.

"This is historic, a great day for the Valley," said Renee Hall, Eggman's partner of 28 years. "We don't get an opportunity for the whole city to have this kind of representation."

Eggman, 51, was the only freshman chosen for an honorary duty on the first day. She was part of an escort to the dais for San Jose's Nora Campos, who was appointed speaker pro tempore by Speaker John Perez. Eggman, still moving into her new office, also was picked as chairwoman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee.

Earlier in the day, The Sacramento Bee identified her as one of four "freshmen to watch" in the upcoming legislative session.

"This is so emotional. It's huge and very humbling," Eggman said. "Like many in this room, I was the first generation in my family to go to college. It's a huge honor to do the people's business and to help restore California to a place of greatness. I love this state."

Eggman also was proud that on the three procedural votes of the Assembly's first day, she was able to locate and manipulate her desk key quickly and efficiently. Her "yes" votes were among the first to light up the Assembly's giant digital tote board.

When the ceremony was over and the applause and cheering had died down, Eggman hustled off to a Latino caucus meeting.